2023 Beneficiaries

Let Grace In is an Oahu based 501c3 supporting families after the death of a child/children, so no family must navigate this journey alone. Its mission is to restore hope to grieving families by building community and fostering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They believe in creating safe, holistic spaces with therapeutic programs based in research, culture, and experience.  The 4-day Hope Retreat offers the whole family time to acknowledge their pain, take advantage of holistic self-care activities, soak in Hawaii’s powerful healing energy & and experience the comfort of compassionate families who understand. 

Learn more at www.letgracein.org

Dynamic Community Solutions / Puuhonua O Waianae is a community based, 501-C(3) non-profit organization. Members and organizers work to promote sustainable community solutions using modern technologies and traditional Hawaiian practices to implement communal living solutions that encourage communities to work together to combat the rising cost of living. By decreasing the cost of living, they believe that many who would be homeless will be able to afford permanent homes for themselves and their families, combating homelessness at its core; that the need for either both parents to work or for parents to work extended hours is decreased, increasing the amount of time they have to invest in raising their children, and a community support system that provides the same; and that communities will be able to pool resources and money to build and maintain their own parks and other facilities, decreasing the demand on city and state resources and services.

Learn more at https://www.dcshawaii.org/

Throughout its history, Women Speaking Out (WSO) has taken pride in its unique role as a voice against teen dating violence. This innovative organization was created in 2009, and has built success on a foundation of inspiring Hawaii’s youth by teaching self-love, life skills, character development and motivational self-awareness through a multitude of hybrid community and educational events. Its mission is rooted in the belief that “Prevention is Key!” WSO remains one of the only organizations which focus on prevention, rather than reaction. The organization is uniquely youth centered and strives to give a voice to youth and young adults of Hawaii, by empowering them with education, action, and providing opportunities to speak out and take a stand against dating violence.

Learn more at http://wsohawaii.org

Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi is a community-based non-profit organization based in the ahupuaʻa of Heʻeia on the island of Oʻahu. Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi continues to implement Māhuahua ʻAi o Hoi (Regrowing the Fruit of Hoi), a long-term project to restore agricultural and ecological productivity to nearly 405-acres within the wetlands of Heʻeia. Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi will construct a certified commercial imu with a covered area in compliance with Department of Health standards and install a new certified steamer for large batch laulau. Using the new facilities will allow Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi to host 12 fundraising events for community groups. Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi believes in a system of “mana-tizing” our ahupuaʻa, bringing value not only in revenue but through products that highlight momona, or abundance while increasing revenue generation within the community. 

Learn more at www.kakoooiwi.org

Institute for Human Services

At IHS, through our Employment Services program, Hele2Work (H2W), we help people who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness to get workforce ready with these services: free business attire, resume writing, interview skills, referral to child care services, transportation help, budgeting courses, and skill development. Job coaches also provide ongoing support for clients as they transition to a new job, increasing job retention and success. Learn more at https://ihshawaii.org/services/employment-services/.

UVSC

UVSC helps those fighting cancer live on. We raise money for individuals with cancer by bringing together a community of resources to support them, while also helping fund innovative research for a cure. Learn more at https://uvsc.org/.

Aloha Harvest

Aloha Harvest is the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaiʻi, getting quality excess food into stomachs instead of landfills. Free of charge and free of liability, we pick up quality excess food from donors (ex: wholesale distributors, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels) and redistribute it to recipient agencies feeding the hungry (ex: homeless shelters, social services, food pantries). Learn more at https://alohaharvest.org.

Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE)

The mission of Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE) is to provide a continuum of support that empowers Hawaii’s street youth to move beyond homelessness. They provide 18– to 24-year-olds currently on the street access to immediate shelter and other responsive services. Learn more at rysehawaii.org.

Palama Settlement

The mission of Palama Settlement is to partner with those who have the greatest needs in our community, empowering them to enhance their well-being through education, health and recreation. They offer a wide range of educational, recreational, athletic, cultural, social, health, and community building programs and services for children, youth, adults, and senior citizens in the Kalihi and Palama neighborhoods. Learn more at palamasettlement.org.

Domestic Violence Action Center

For some, “safe at home” is not safe at all. Domestic Violence Action Center raises awareness about domestic violence in the community, as well as events to raise funds to support the important, unduplicated services that they offer to survivors. Learn more at domesticviolenceactioncenter.org

The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together

The Pantry, by Feeding Hawaii Together, is the only e-commerce food pantry in the country operating weekly, year-round, to provide free, nutritious food to the families of Hawaii. They serve our Oahu community with a “grocery store style” experience so customers can choose the food they want, when they need it, ultimately eliminating food waste. By developing innovative ways to provide quality, healthy food for free—so no one in our community goes hungry—The Pantry has become one of Hawaii’s largest food distribution services addressing the urgent issue of food insecurity. Learn more at thepantry.org

Aloha Animal Sanctuary

Aloha Animal Sanctuary is Oahu's first 501(c)(3) non-profit farmed animal sanctuary, providing refuge for farmed animals in need. Through community engagement and educational opportunities, the sanctuary fosters compassion towards animals, sustainable practices, and creating a healthy and integrated community on O'ahu. Learn more at alohasanctuary.org

Assistance Dogs of Hawaii

Assistance Dogs of Hawaii provides professionally trained Service Dogs to children and adults with disabilities free of charge which enables these individuals to increase their independence and helps enhance their quality of life. We also touch the lives of thousands of people in Hawaii through the placement of our Hospital Facility Dogs and Courthouse Dogs. Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is committed to serving people in Hawaii with special needs through our Community Outreach Programs. Learn more at assistancedogshawaii.org

Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha

Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha (Land Shared in Friendship) is a 5-acre community garden and learning center (the “farm”)that has been providing place-based education to Mākaha Elementary School students and their families as well as families living on the Wai‘anae Coast for 40 years. Students and families learn how to grow and prepare healthy foods, make healthy life choices, and connect with their roots in Hawaiian values. Learn more at hoaainaomakaha.org

Family Promise of Hawaii

Family Promise of Hawaii has helped over 2,000 parents and children transition out of homelessness since 2006. Its mission is to mobilize existing community resources to aid families with children experiencing homelessness and help them transition to sustainable independence. Learn more at familypromisehawaii.org

Hoʻolā Nā Pua

Every day in Hawaiʻi, keiki are being sexually exploited for money. Hoʻōla Nā Pua
has four key program areas: Health, Education, Advocacy, and Reintegration, focusing on the
systematic change to prevent exploitation before it begins. Through its education and outreach
programs, Hoʻōla Nā Pua offers expertise in the issue of prevention of sexual exploitation, identification of victims, and response to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Learn more at hoolanapua.org

Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii

Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii coordinates large scale coastal cleanups, educational programs, public awareness campaigns and facilitate other interested groups to run their own cleanups. Since its inception in 2011, SCH has brought together 21,688 volunteers to remove 349,738 pounds of debris from Hawaii’s coastlines and educated over 19,000 students about plastic pollution and coastal stewardship. Learn more at sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org

The Alliance for Drama Education (ADE)
THE ALLIANCE FOR DRAMA EDUCATION (ADE) is a non-profit dedicated to using the arts to help make a difference in today’s youth. T-Shirt Theatre (TST) is ADE’s flagship program and is a Community of Practice where youth from Farrington High School and Kalakaua and Dole Middle Schools come together around the practice of dramatic arts. Learn more at rehearseforlife.com/ade

I AM A SCIENTIST
“I AM A SCIENTIST”, Chaminade’s mobile STEM outreach program was created and developed by Chaminade researcher, Lori Shimoda, to inspire the next generation of scientists. Through this outreach program, Chaminade University research faculty visit Oahu elementary and middle schools with a need for increased STEM capacity to 2,000 children annually across 20 public schools. Learn more at iamascientiststem.org

HUGS
EXPANDING PEER SUPPORT FOR NEIGHBOR ISLAND FAMILIES WITH SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN. The mission of HUGS is to strengthen Hawaii’s families and improve their quality of life as they face the emotional and financial hardships of caring for a seriously ill child. This year’s GIFT grant will allow HUGS to build a sustainable peer support system for families with a seriously ill child from our neighbor island communities. Learn more at hugshawaii.org

Na Kama Kai (NKK)
Nā Kama Kai [NKK] is a marine non-profit, established in 2008, to provide critical ocean education to Hawaiʻi’s youth. Guided by this vision, NKK’s mission is to empower youth by creating, conducting, and supporting ocean-based programs, specifically targeting ocean safety and conservation awareness. Learn more at nakamakai.org

The Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL)
The Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL) was established in 2003 to engage, equip, and empower Hawaii’s youth to become tomorrow’s visionary leaders. With signature programs and resources, CTL identifies and trains teens with leadership potential through comprehensive, character-focused programs. Learn more at centerfortomorrowsleaders.org

Hands In Helping Out (HIHO)
Founded in 2009 by three young professionals, Hands In Helping Out (HIHO) is dedicated to building a network of motivated volunteers and volunteer leaders who make a difference for the Hawai‘i community through service. We are the only non-profit in the state that focuses solely on volunteer engagement. Learn more at Hands In Helping Out

CommunityU (KUPU Hawaii)
KUPU Hawaii provides experiential education and job training opportunities to help at-risk youth succeed and become productive members of society with a heart to serve the community. The GIFT Foundation will fund KUPU’s CommunityU program which focuses on service learning through field work, completing a high school diploma equivalency program and guidance and financial support for placement into vocational training, community college enrollment, or paid on-the-job training assignments. Learn more at kupuhawaii.org/communityu

Kids Hurt Too Hawaii
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii is the only program in the state dedicated to helping children who have lost one or both parents through death, divorce, domestic violence, incarceration, fostering or deployment. Their Therapeutic Project Services for children and families include counseling, peer support groups, mentoring, leadership and skills training, all designed to decrease risk factors for alienation and failures and improve family relationships, build self-esteem, improve social, academic and life functioning, and provide an invaluable support system. Learn more at grievingyouth.org

Zoo To You (Honolulu Zoological Society)
The Honolulu Zoological Society’s mission is to foster an appreciation of our living world by supporting and advocating environmental education, recreation, biological study and conservation activities at the Honolulu Zoo. The GIFT Foundation will fund the “Zoo to You” outreach program that brings conservation education to schools in underprivileged communities on Oahu and the installation of four additional docent stations throughout the zoo. Learn more at honoluluzoo.org/default.htm

Hawaii Children Cancer Foundation’s Tutoring Program
The Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation was formed in 1991 by a group of parents and medical providers after a statewide needs assessment showed that there were many childhood cancer needs not being met by any existing entity. Learn more at hccf.org/about

Waipa Foundation’s Community Kitchen Project
The Waipa Foundation serves as a Native Hawaiian learning center and community center where all who visit can renew ties to the ‘aina (land and resources), and learn about traditional values and lifestyle through laulima (many hands working together). Learn more about their Community Ktichen Project at: waipafoundation.org/community_facilities

Good Beginnings Alliance
Good Beginnings Alliance is a statewide, non-profit organization originally designated in 1997 by State Legislature Act 77 as the intermediary for state and community leadership to develop an integrated early childhood system in Hawai‘i. Learn more at goodbeginnings.org.

Mental Health America of Hawaii

MHA-Hawai`i’s mission is to promote mental wellness, prevent mental illness, reduce stigma, and improve the care, treatment, and empowerment of those with mental illnesses – children and youth, adults, and elders — and their families.

Family Programs of Hawaii

Project Visitation (PV) serves children of all ages and legal status who have a history of involvement in the foster care system and have been separated through different out-of-home placements. The purpose of the program is to maintain sibling relationships through a cadre of community volunteers who coordinate visits giving siblings a chance to visit, strengthen their bonds, and reconnect to one another. FPH is the only agency providing sibling visitation in Hawai`i.

Hospice Hawaii
Their mission is “to bring hope, reduce fears and impact lives.” They do this by providing: comprehensive physical, emotional, social and spiritual care and support to those in need. They teach caregiver skills to family members so they can care for their loved ones at home. They also care for patients at their Kailua House and Palolo House and stay connected with families through their Bereavement Program.

Hawaii Youth Symphony
HYS fills a large gap in music education for Hawaii’s youth. Though music education has lasting, positive effects on childhood development and learning, the quality of HYS’s music program is not available in most public schools. Few music specialists exist at the elementary schools and only 15% of the state’s high schools offer any type of orchestral program. HYS provides a learning environment that fosters cooperation, communication and teamwork among students from many schools and cultural backgrounds. HYS collaborates with artists, musicians, composers, entertainers and arts groups throughout the state and beyond to give its students musical experiences they cannot find elsewhere.

Boys & Girls Club
Through the partnership with the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH) seeks to provide forty (40) youth referred by the Juvenile Courts with access to the BGCH Waianae Clubhouse. BGCH will provide one (1) staff to run The Journey Program and provide case notes to the youth participants’ probation officer. The program will engage participants in all available activities of the Waianae Clubhouse including The Journey Program, Ohana “family” nights and service learning. Key skills learned will be: volunteerism, pro-social skills and leadership development.

Hawaii Nature Center
The Hawaii Nature Center has fulfilled an important educational and conservation mission: “to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of the environment by and for the people of Hawaii, and to encourage wise stewardship of the islands in the future”. The legacy of the HNC’s field programs is an environmentally literate public, whose understanding of local natural and cultural history and environmental issues are grounded in an inspired sense of place. To date, the Hawaii Nature Center has served nearly 750,000 children, teachers, families and visitors with its variety of environmental programs.

Hawaii Literacy
Our mission is to help people gain knowledge and skills by providing literacy and lifelong learning services.

Hui Malama Learning Center (Maui)
Learning Center, a non-profit (501c3), was originally created to address the academic needs of local youth, primarily teen mothers, who had dropped out or been expelled from the public school system. As their mission states, “Our caring environment provides unique educational opportunities to youth and families of Maui Nui.”

Spirit Sessions (Oahu)
Spirit Sessions has launched its first full year of assisting at-risk and troubled teens through the Hawaii Girls Court Program, teaching life lessons through surfing and counselor guided ‘talk-circles’. The Gift Foundation of Hawaii’s goal will be to assist with the He`e Nalu Learning Center, their new pilot marine biology program, providing ocean based experiential learning as a part of the Spirit Sessions project.

Kanu Hawaii
Kanu Hawaii is a movement of people drawing on island strengths to make Hawaii a model of environmental sustainability, economic resilience and compassionate community. Kanu Hawaii is pursuing this vision through “island style” activism that starts with changing ourselves before pointing any fingers; trying to lead by example, then asking others – including neighbors, businesses, and government – to change.

The Children’s Discovery Center
The Children’s Discovery Center, A world-class, interactive, participatory learning environment designed to inspire the young and “young-at-heart” to new heights of learning and discovery. The Center provides an environment that encourages children to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, and smell to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Their goals are to help children develop positive self-concept and an understanding of others in Hawaii’s multicultural community, and to offer them a “window to the world” beyond our island shores.

Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii is a NARHA member center offering therapeutic riding and regular riding lessons since 1983. THH is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Their goal is to improve the minds and bodies of their riders using horses as therapy tools. We specialize in physically or mentally disabled children and adults, but provide instruction to riders of any ability.

‘AINA in Schools
The ‘AINA In Schools Program is a farm-to-school program that consists of six integrated components: nutrition education in classrooms, promotion of healthy school lunches featuring locally grown produce, garden-based learning, solid waste management, farm field trips and community outreach.

The North Shore Community Land Trust
The North Shore Community Land Trust is an organization committed to preserving the Pupukea-Paumalu property on the North Shore. Community members, multiple levels of government, and supporters from around the world are working to conserve Pupukea Paumalu and implement community stewardship of its unique resources.

Positive Coaching Alliance - Hawaii
Positive Coaching Alliance-Hawai’i provides training, workshops and practical tools for coaches, parents and sports association leaders to get them to learn how to “Honor the Game” and win. The Stanford-based national office also educates those who shape the youth sports experience by offering partnership programs to youth sports organizations, schools, cities and national sports governing bodies.